On Monday, Jan. 29, Road and Bridge Superintendent John Schouten provided a brief report. Commissioners were asked to select a date from a listing of dates provided for the annual township dinner: March 27 or 28 and April 3 or 4. March 28 was selected. Invitations are to be sent out. Next Monday, county contracted engineer Michael Maris is slated to attend the commission meeting in regards to bridges. Schouten told commissioners that in regards to the backhoe quote, John Deere had been comparable to the price given by Bobcat. As none was given, Schouten will reach back out for a quote for trade-in of the current unit to see if this is also comparable. Road and Bridge is continuing to seek additional quotes for cost of barrel trailers.
In old business, EMS/ Ambulance Director Brian Mongeau reported that emergency services had ordered four radios for the total purchase amount of $7,930.22. This total was for two mobiles and two portables (this would be the approximate cost of one new radio). Commissioners approved the purchase amount.
Mongeau advised that the scheduled EMR class kicked off last week. Students met at the Eureka Public Library last Tuesday and have begun book work. Mongeau shared that the Board of EMS has abolished a regulation and now anyone within EMS staff can teach a class. He noted that this meant that they will no longer have to hire out for instruction.
Commissioner Roy Ballard asked about upfitting pertaining to the new Chevy Tahoe previously approved for purchase for EMS. Needs were discussed which included radio, mercy lighting, siren and grill guard. Mongeau noted that he would be seeing if hazard mitigation would cover the cost of a grill guard.
K-State Research and Extension agent Ben Sims provided an overview of programs and activities held as well as referenced upcoming dates. Sims shared that the local extension is looking at a deer management and processing program later this year. In 4-H youth development, caroling, a Christmas dinner and breakfast with Santa events were held. The national competitions wrapped up and Greenwood County will soon begin training for the next season. In upcoming workshops, Sims told commissioners that a cow/ calf and risk management program was scheduled to be held Feb. 20 in Eureka. 4-H council upcoming fundraisers were also shared. Sims announced that dairy goats were being added to the county fair this year. Plans for the 2024 fair also include the slide available to kids last year. Sims will be looking at attaining bids for the provision of this. In regards to enrollment numbers, Sims reported that there are 140 Clover Buds and youth members for 2024. The agent position will be opened for applicant submissions in February, with interviews to be held in early April.
Commissioner Ben Fox was contacted by the City of Eureka with a request for waiver of the county tipping fee for demolition of five residential houses. Fox noted that the city is seeking bids and contractors want to know if fees will be waived. In reference to the $15 per ton fee, Commissioner Mac Obourn noted that they had previously discussed no longer providing waiver of the fee for commercial entities. After discussion was had, commissioners elected not to waive the fee for the City of Eureka. Paul Dean, who serves as Mayor for the City of Madison, offered an explanation on their system, for future reference. Dean told commissioners that the city requests for waiver of the fees, but it is the individual paying for the structure to be torn down.
Commissioner Preston Evenson inquired with Schouten in regards to the county building at Madison. Evenson asked if doors could be put back on the structure and expressed interest in going back to parking graders on such county-owned properties.
An executive session for employee evaluation with Schouten was held for 5 minutes. Following the session, no decisions were made.
Special payables in the amount of $4,628.51 were approved.
The December fee report was provided to commissioners for review.
Employment verification, hiring of Doris Decker for the Treasurer’s Office, for the position of motor vehicle clerk was approved at a starting rate of $15 an hour.
Minutes of the Jan. 22 meeting were approved.
After adjourning their meeting, staff members had the opportunity to hear a presentation on the Smart Dollar program. Commissioners will discuss the option of potentially offering this to employees as a benefit.
Following next week’s regular meeting, commissioners are slated to hold a road viewing.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.
